Gubernatorial Showdown in North Carolina: Stein vs. Robinson in Highly Competitive Race
In what is anticipated to be one of the most fiercely contested races of the year, North Carolina is gearing up for a gubernatorial showdown. Democrats have selected moderate state Attorney General Josh Stein to go head-to-head against Republican nominee Mark Robinson, the current lieutenant governor known for his right-wing stance. With the stakes high and Democrats aiming to safeguard their foothold in Southern politics, this election will also play a crucial role in the battle for the state’s vote in the presidential race.
North Carolina has been a key battleground state in recent years. While former President Donald Trump emerged victorious in both the 2016 and 2020 elections, President Joe Biden came remarkably close to an upset victory, trailing by just over one percentage point. Although Biden’s favorability might have waned since then, Republicans could face a backlash in November due to their party-line vote overriding Gov. Roy Cooper’s veto of a 12-week abortion ban, a move that was passed by the GOP-led legislature.
Despite having control over the state legislature, Republicans have been unable to secure the governor’s office since Cooper’s election in 2016, which coincided with Trump’s victory over Hillary Clinton. Robinson, widely popular among the MAGA base, shares striking similarities with Trump in terms of political style. He is an ardent advocate for gun rights and abortion bans and has been known to engage in controversial rhetoric that touches on antisemitism, misogyny, and anti-LGBTQ sentiments.
During his speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference last month, Robinson addressed the criticism he has received regarding his views on social issues. He remarked, “Whenever they mention my name, they always mention my name in conjunction with social issues and how I hate everybody. According to them, I hate everybody. I hate people who walk and talk and walk upright. I hate people who drive cars. I don’t hate anybody.”
Robinson faced calls for his resignation after making derogatory remarks about “transgenderism” and “homosexuality” in June 2021. However, he refused to back down and defended his statements by emphasizing the need for parents to protect their children.
Additionally, Robinson has downplayed the atrocities committed by Nazi Germany and argued that socialism poses a greater threat than European fascism. In a 2019 social media post, he wrote, “We often speak of the ‘appeasement’ of Hitler. But the biggest ‘appeasement’ of ALL TIME is how we turned a blind eye to the clear and present danger of MARXISM.”
In contrast, Stein boasts deep political roots in North Carolina. His father, Adam Stein, is a renowned civil rights attorney and one of the co-founders of the state’s first integrated law firm, alongside Julius Chambers and James Ferguson.
The upcoming election is expected to heavily focus on the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, which opened the door for North Carolina Republicans to pass their abortion ban. Robinson has expressed support for even stricter measures, while Stein warns that without a governor in place to provide a check on Republican power, the party could potentially run rampant.
Stein has been a vocal advocate for reproductive freedom, receiving the endorsement of Reproductive Freedom for All (formerly NARAL Pro-Choice America). He emphasizes the importance of women’s rights to make decisions about their bodies, families, and futures. The battle over reproductive rights will undoubtedly become a central issue in this race.
Days before the election, Trump officially endorsed Robinson, highlighting their political similarities. Trump referred to the lieutenant governor, who is Black, as “Martin Luther King on steroids” and praised his exceptional oratory skills. This endorsement further solidifies Robinson’s standing within the Republican party and could potentially sway undecided voters.
While Biden and other national Democrats have largely stayed away from North Carolina thus far, it is expected that both the presidential and gubernatorial races will be closely contested. The outcome of these races will not only determine the future of North Carolina’s political landscape but also have broader implications for national politics. As November approaches, all eyes will be on this highly competitive race.